Tribal Lawyer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: Negotiable
Location : Klamath, CA
Job Type: Full Time Exempt
Job Number: 202500108
Division: Executive Branch
Department: Office of Tribal Attorney
Opening Date: 08/20/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
POSITION SUMMARY
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the general supervision of the Yurok Tribal Council, the General Counsel will assist the Yurok Tribal Council and Tribal Departments in the legal matters related to the business of the Yurok Tribe. Incumbent will be responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and controlling all activities of the Office of the Tribal Attorney. The General Counsel will ensure the efficient and economical use of the resources of the department, including budgeted funds, grant monies, personnel, facilities, and time, to accomplish short-term and long-range objectives.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Perform legal research including extensive analysis of legal positions. Determine and apply legal principles and precedents to problems and issues.
2. Provides legal advice, counsel and assistance to the Tribal Council and departments in relation to their duties and the operation of the Tribe and its programs in compliance with the Constitution, laws, and policies of the Yurok Tribe.
3. Negotiates Federal and State contracts.
4. Provides opinions concerning personnel policies and procedures.
5. Provides legal advice related to employment classification and dispute resolution.
6. Drafts appropriate ordinances and policies that assist in the implementation of the Tribe's Self Governance objectives.
7. Represents the Tribe in Indian Child Welfare cases as needed.
8. Provides opinions on, drafts documents and policies, and attends meetings concerning regulatory and environmental matters.
9. Reviews and approves contracts entered into by the Tribe.
10. Prepares legal briefs, develops strategy, arguments, and testimony in preparation for presentation of a case.
11. Manages all outside legal counsel.
12. Promotes Tribal sovereignty in alignment with the Constitution and laws of the Yurok Tribe.
13. Performs other related duties as assigned.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
1. Juris Doctor degree required.
2. Law School graduate licensed to practice law in the State of California and 10 years practicing law as a licensed attorney.
3. Employee must be willing to acquire any special certifications or attend any training that is determined to be relevant or becomes required
of the position in the future.
4. Candidates with equivalent combinations of education and experience will be taken into consideration.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Juris Doctor degree required.
2. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of California.
3. Must have computer knowledge sufficient to do legal research.
4. No convictions for misdemeanor offenses within the last twelve (12) months, no previous felony convictions.
5. Highly skilled, both orally and in writing.
6. Knowledge of tribal governments, Indian law, including issues of Tribal Employment Rights, P.L. 280, self-governance, NAGPRA, gaming, personnel law, ICWA, etc.
7. Ability to handle conflict and maintain positive working relationships with diverse stakeholders and constituents.
8. Supervisory experience required.
9. Ability to set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and review information for legality, accuracy and compliance with policies and procedures of the tribe and all applicable laws.
10. Ability to communicate with Yurok Tribal leaders as well as state, county and federal stakeholders and partners.
11. Understanding of the complex interaction of Tribal, state, and federal legal requirements for tribes and how they relate to tribal sovereignty.
12. Must have demonstrated experience in a senior level/management position in a law firm, public or private in-house counsel.
13. Experience working with Tribal governments is preferred.
14. Recognition that in order to serve Yurok People one must know as much as possible about Yurok history, culture and values.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Performs the full range of supervisory duties and responsibilities. Plans work of subordinates based on priorities, nature of assignment. Develops work performance plans and evaluates performance of subordinates. Provides advice, instruction, and guidance to subordinates on work and administrative matters. Effects minor disciplinary actions and determines developmental training needs of employees.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES/CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
1. Pass the Yurok Bar exam within the first year of employment.
2. All applicants are subject to the Tribe's Drug and Alcohol Policy including pre-employment screening.
3. Valid state issued driver's license and/or the ability to obtain a California driver's license. Must be insurable on the Tribe's insurance policy.
4. Must pass a background investigation and fingerprint clearance.
5. This position requires compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act Public Law 101-630; 25 Code of Federal Regulations Part 63 - Indian child Protection and Family Violence Prevention; Crime Control Act of 1990, Employee Background Checks; and Executive Order 12968, Adjudicative Guidelines.
We offer complete benefits package to full-time employees including:
*Medical *Dental *Vision
*Life Ins. *Rx *AirMed (Air Ambulance)
*401k *401k match (up to 4%)
*16 Paid Holidays *free Calm app (meditation/music channel)
*Employee Assistance Program
Part-time employees who work an average of 30 hours per week
over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.
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Are you a member of any federally recognized tribes? If so, please indicate which tribe?
Required Question